Whether you own a luxury watch or not, you have probably wondered at least once, "Which model is popular?" While everyone has their own motivations, such as "I want a popular classic model!" or "I want a model that no one else has!" , it is difficult to know which models are actually popular unless you get real-time information.
So this time, we will be revealing the top 5 semi-vintage Rolex watches (models with 5-digit model numbers) handled by Commit Ginza (hereinafter referred to as our store) in the first half of 2024! Please enjoy reading the list while imagining the rankings together with us.
5th place: "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16710"
In fifth place is the long-selling model "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16710", which was released in 1988.
The first GMT Master II, Ref. 16760, was only available in red and black bezel colors to differentiate it from the GMT Master that was sold at the same time. However, the Ref. 16710 has been reissued in red and blue and black, which has once again attracted a lot of attention. As it is a long-selling model, it has undergone several minor changes, but the stick dial seen in 2005-2008 (serial numbers D, Z, and M) is particularly popular. While this is one option, if your child was born in this age group, you may want to consider giving it as a gift to commemorate their coming of age, after using it yourself. ( Stick dial: The "II" in the model name "GMT Master II" at the 6 o'clock position on the dial has no horizontal lines above or below it, and is printed as "||". )
4th place: "Submariner Date" "Ref.16610 "
In fourth place is the Ref. 16610 from the Submariner, a model that is synonymous with diver's watches and one of the most popular Rolex models among all generations.
This model was released before the now-mainstream Cerachrom bezel was introduced, and is extremely popular for its visibility, robustness, and status. It also features a hollow bracelet (with a hollow center link), a feature unique to this generation, which makes it light and easy to wear on a daily basis. Depending on the era, there are models with tritium luminous and Luminova luminous, so if you want to enjoy the unique semi-vintage feel, try the "tritium luminous" model, and if you want a clean, smart look, try the "Luminova" model.
3rd Place
Explorer "Ref. 14270 "
In third place is the Explorer Ref. 14270, a Rolex watch that is both popular and well-known and competes for first and second place.
This model, which caused a huge boom when worn by Kimura Takuya, is relatively affordable among Rolex watches and has a simple design that can be used both on and off the job, so many people choose it as their "first Rolex," and it still boasts strong popularity even more than 20 years after production ended. It was released as a full model change from the previous model "Ref. 1016," and in the early stages of production, there were models known as "blackouts" that did not have the white lines on the index "3, 6, and 9" and had exposed metal numbers, as well as rare models with a single buckle and a side hole on the side of the case. Due to its high demand and many rare specifications, it is the leading "next vintage model."
2nd Place
"Explorer II" "Ref. 16570 "
Coming in second place is the Explorer II "Ref. 16570," which is highly practical with its GMT function and date display.
Among the stainless steel sports models, this one comes in both black and white dials, just like the Daytona, and you can enjoy searching for your favorite texture from the various differences, such as the texture of the dials depending on the era, or the ones where the luminous material has faded over time. The successor models, the Ref. 216570 and Ref. 226570, have a larger case size of 42mm, so the demand for the 40mm size, which is more comfortable on Japanese wrists, is likely to increase in the future.
1st Place
"Daytona" "Ref. 16520 "
Coming in first place is the "Ref. 16520," which is equipped with the "Cal. 4030," a movement that is a refined version of Zenith's "El Primero."
Since its release in 1988, this watch has long been known as the king of chronographs, with various models with different characteristics depending on the year of production, such as the so-called "Patrizzi" (a model with a faded brown subdial). The A and P models close to the final model number, and the combination of tritium luminous material and single buckle are in particularly high demand, and although it is one of the more expensive models of this era, its cool appearance is unmatched. This is a watch that I would definitely recommend to anyone who is even slightly interested.
summary
What did you think.
Sports models dominated the top five spots, with the top spot going to the Daytona, also known as the "King of Rolex."
Many semi-vintage models have undergone minor changes, and their atmosphere and value change significantly from year to year. Furthermore, they are "discontinued models with limited numbers" that are unlikely to drop in price or increase in circulation, so they are promising candidates for the future. However, of course, not all of them are good, so if you are considering buying or selling, please feel free to consult with us first. We will provide appropriate advice based on your requests and circumstances.
We hope this article will be helpful for your buying and selling. Please look forward to the next article and the ranking of the number of items handled!